Many ministries that are highly effective and growing during a given season of a congregation's life eventually wane significantly. LeeAnne Watkins, rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church (St. Paul, MN), considers how best to respond to these difficult situations in her article in the June 13, 2012 edition of the Christian Century (p.10-11). In her parish, the once popular adult education offerings and midweek services stopped drawing significant crowds. Along with a Read More …
Discipleship
Beatitudes v2012 (#0756)
Richard Beck, Professor and Department Chair of Psychology at Abilene Christian University, recently posted his "study guide" on the Sermon on the Mount on his blog. Beck's notes on the Beatitudes showcase his approach: Do not be egoistical or self-absorbed. (5.3) Weep over the pain in this world. (5.4) Be gentle, tender and kind. (5.5) Wake up wanting to be a better person. (5.6) Show mercy to others. (5.7) Be sincere, genuine and real. (5.8) Work for the cause of Read More …
Facebook Bible/Book Study? (#0755)
Many congregations offer fewer opportunities for adult discipleship during the summer months. With more and more adult learning and growth opportunities moving from an on campus (church building, someone's home, or a coffee shop) to either a blended (part on campus and part online) or online format, perhaps summer is the ideal time for your congregation to try something new online (or expand its existing efforts). There are so many possible ways to begin that many people get hung up Read More …
The Table is . . . (#0753)
Jeremy John, coordinator of the Crabgrass Christians Initiative and one of the founders of the Occupy Church, recently blogged about his understanding of the Eucharist. He suggests: The Eucharist gathers us at a particular place, with a particular people, to eat particular food(s) together. While we believe theologically that Christ is present at the table with us, the Eucharist is more about what you do than what you believe. So What? While the Read More …
Missing Adult Sunday School (#0752)
Jon Acuff, author of Stuff Christians Like (2010) and Quitter (2011), recently blogged about missing Sunday School. More specifically, he shared about his 15 year absence from adult Sunday School. Despite a positive experience with small groups, Acuff misses "having the double feature of Sunday School and Church." So What? For many years Sunday School for all ages was a given in Protestant congregations. In recent decades the increased Read More …
Spong on Building the Church (#0749)
Bishop John "Jack" Shelby Spong was a recent guest on Chris Yaw's ChurchNext. In this one hour interview, Spong shares how humility and acceptance are key foundations for building the church. Since "the mainline churches are in a statistical free-fall" continuing on the same course is not a realistic option. Going forward, church leaders must repackage the faith in ways that make sense for their context. More specifically, Spong says Part of our job in the Read More …
What’s Missing in Your Church? (#0747)
Shawn Murphy, principal consultant at Achieved Strategies and co-founder of Switch and Shift, recently blogged about what is missing in organizations. Murphy suggests, "Too many of our workplaces have become a place where employees plug in, do their work, unplug and go home." In response, he offers a list of ways to improve this all too common situation: Optimism Freedom Paradox Cooperation So What? As an organization, the local church can also become a place where Read More …
Trinitarian Language (#0744)
Long before I knew much about the word Trinity, I regularly heard the classical Trinitarian formulation in worship on a weekly basis: Father, Son, and Spirit. I didn't give much thought to this formulation until I was engaged in my theological studies. In the years since, I have moved away from language that many associate with gender. While I think variety is essential for both practical and theological reasons, I find myself using one formulation more often than Read More …
Review of Viral (#0743)
Meet the Author Leonard Sweet is the E. Stanley Jones professor of evangelism at Drew University and visiting distinguished professor of Evangelism at George Fox University, was voted one of the 50 Most Influential Christians in America, and continues to write and speak prophetically about the church. An ordained United Methodist pastor, Sweet has authored over 20 books and 600 articles, and is perhaps best known for his forward thinking ideas about the church. For Read More …
Life-Giving Wind (#0742)
Earlier today, I had the privilege of preaching a Pentecost sermon based on Acts 2:1-21 at Naples United Church of Christ. Sermon Text Like many of you, I grew up in the church. More specifically, I grew up in one congregation – the First Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Texas. I quickly learned my way around the church – from playground to pew. After attending worship for years, participating in Sunday school, and completing confirmation, I was sure I knew what it meant to be Read More …